ELA A10 Ms. T.

Rowe
The Wave

The
Wave

Novel by: Todd Strasser

ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

Chapter One: __________________

Before reading

1. Journal Entry: write a journal entry using a stem from Box #1 on your „Before‟
strategy sheet.

2. Vocabulary: For the following words: 1) provide a definition 2) provide the part
of speech and use the word in a sentence of your own. For the (sight word), you
have to find a word that is unfamiliar to you and do the same.

a) perpetual
b) monotone
c) befuddled
d) overzealous
e) (sight word)

During reading

Answer the following questions:

3. Complete a character web for all of the characters introduced in this chapter
(3-5 points for each character).

4. Why is Laurie Saunders working in the publications office?

5. Why is Laurie frustrated at the beginning of this chapter?

5. How does Mr. Ross feel about teaching? What problems does he have?

6. Based on what you have learned so far, what kind of teacher is Mr. Ross?
(opinion)

After reading

7. Journal Entry: Finish your journal entry by finishing a stem from either box #1
or box #2 on your „After‟ strategy sheet.

Novel by: Todd Strasser

ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

Chapter Two: __________________

Before reading

1. Journal Entry: write a journal entry using a stem from Box #2 on your „Before‟
strategy sheet.

2. Vocabulary: For the following words: 1) provide a definition 2) provide the part
of speech and use the word in a sentence of your own. For the (sight word), you
have to find a word that is unfamiliar to you and do the same.

a) atrocities
b) emaciated
c) heinous
d) permeated
e) (sight word)

During reading

Answer the following questions:

3. What was the “Final Solution”?

4. According to Ross, why didn‟t the Germans try to stop the Nazis?

5. Do you agree or disagree with Laurie‟s reaction to Mr. Ross‟ explanation that
the Germans were simply following orders? Why or why not? (opinion)

6. What was Laurie‟s reaction to the film?

7. Why is Robert Billings doing poorly in history class?

After reading

8. Journal Entry: Finish your journal entry by finishing a stem from box #2 on
your „After‟ strategy sheet.

Novel by: Todd Strasser

ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

Chapter Three: __________________

Before reading

1. Journal Entry: write a journal entry using a stem from Box #5 on your „Before‟
strategy sheet.

2. Vocabulary: For the following words: 1) provide a definition 2) provide the part
of speech and use the word in a sentence of your own. For the (sight word), you
have to find a word that is unfamiliar to you and do the same.

a) facetiously
b) slyly
c) (sight word)

During reading

Answer the following questions:

3. What are some clues that Robert Billings is the “class loser”? (Chapter 3)

4. Consider what David says on page 21: “I didn‟t say I wasn‟t bothered by it. I
just said it‟s over now. Forget about it. It happened once and the world learned
its lesson. It‟ll never happen again.” Do you agree or disagree with his
statement? Why or why not? (Opinion)

After reading

5. Journal Entry: Make a prediction based on what you have read so far,
particularly in this chapter--what do you think is going to happen as the story
unfolds?

Novel by: Todd Strasser

ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

Chapter Four: __________________

Before reading

1. Journal Entry: write a journal entry using a stem from Box #5 on your „Before‟
strategy sheet.

2. Vocabulary: For the following words: 1) provide a definition 2) provide the part
of speech and use the word in a sentence of your own. For the (sight word), you
have to find a word that is unfamiliar to you and do the same.

a) intrigued
b) inexplicable
c) (sight word)

During reading

Answer the following questions:

3. What two examples show that Ross can be obsessive at times?

4. What is Ross‟ idea?

After reading

5. Journal Entry: Finish your journal entry by finishing a stem from box #2 on
your „After‟ strategy sheet.

Novel by: Todd Strasser

 ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

Character Chart
Pick two main characters that we have read about so far in The Wave.
List them and list three characteristics that you think these characters possess.

Character: Characteristic Quote

Character: Characteristic Quote

Novel by: Todd Strasser

ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

Chapter Five: __________________

Before reading

1. Journal Entry: write a journal entry using a stem from Box #5 on your „Before‟
strategy sheet.

2. Vocabulary: For the following words: 1) provide a definition 2) provide the part
of speech and use the word in a sentence of your own. For the (sight word), you
have to find a word that is unfamiliar to you and do the same.

a) incessant
b) accentuate
c) grudgingly
d) punctual
e) (sight word)

During reading

Answer the following questions:

3. What is the topic of Ross‟ lesson?

4. What are the three rules that Ross introduces?

5. How has Robert changed during Mr. Ross‟ class?

6. What is eerie about what David witnesses in the bathroom? What do you think
is significant about this scene?

7. How does Ben feel about the movement in his class?

After reading

7. Journal Entry: Finish your journal entry by finishing a stem from box #6 on
your „After‟ strategy sheet.

Novel by: Todd Strasser

ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

Chapter Six: __________________

Before reading

1. Journal Entry: write a journal entry using a stem from Box #5 on your „Before‟
strategy sheet.

2. Vocabulary: For the following words: 1) provide a definition 2) provide the part
of speech and use the word in a sentence of your own. For the (sight word), you
have to find a word that is unfamiliar to you and do the same.

a) surveyed
b) tantalized
c) resurgence
d) (sight word)

During reading

Answer the following questions:

3. Why does Ross call his experiment “the Wave”?

4. Why do you think that Ross introduces the symbol and the salute?

5. What is wrong with the football team?

6. What do you think will happen to the football team after it adopts “The Wave”?
Explain why you think this.

After reading

7. Journal Entry: Finish your journal entry by finishing a stem from box #3 on
your „After‟ strategy sheet.

Novel by: Todd Strasser

ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

Chapter Seven: __________________

Before reading

1. Journal Entry: write a journal entry using a stem from Box #5 on your „Before‟
strategy sheet.

2. Vocabulary: For the following words: 1) provide a definition 2) provide the part
of speech and use the word in a sentence of your own. For the (sight word), you
have to find a word that is unfamiliar to you and do the same.

a) astute
b) aspiring
c) preoccupied
d) (sight word)

During reading

Answer the following questions:

3. What are Laurie‟s parents‟ opinions of The Wave?

4. In your opinion, what are some of the positive things about “The Wave” so far?

5. What is Christy‟s “warning” to her husband?

6. How do you think The Wave is going to affect Ross?

After reading

7. Journal Entry: Finish your journal entry by finishing a stem from box #1 on
your „After‟ strategy sheet.

Novel by: Todd Strasser

ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

Chapter Eight: __________________

Before reading

1. Journal Entry: Consider a time when you were part of a team or group?
Discuss both the positive and negative effects of being on this team or group.
Overall, was it positive or negative?

2. Vocabulary: For the following words: 1) provide a definition 2) provide the part
of speech and use the word in a sentence of your own. For the (sight word), you
have to find a word that is unfamiliar to you and do the same.

a) sophomore
b) intimidate
c) allegiance
d) testimonials
e) (sight word)

During reading

Answer the following questions:

3. What is different about Ross at the beginning of his lesson? Why do you think
he decided to do this?

4. What new concept does Ross introduce to the class?

5. How is Ross giving The Wave more momentum?

6. In your opinion, is The Wave a good idea or a bad idea? Why?

After reading

7. Design a poster for The Wave that includes the symbol and the motto.

Novel by: Todd Strasser

ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

Chapter Nine: __________________

Before reading

1. Journal Entry: write a journal entry using a stem from Box #5 on your „Before‟
strategy sheet.

2. Vocabulary: For the following words: 1) provide a definition 2) provide the part
of speech and use the word in a sentence of your own. For the (sight word), you
have to find a word that is unfamiliar to you and do the same.

a) detrimental
b) cult
c) (sight word)

During reading

Answer the following questions:

3. What are Ross‟ positive and negative feelings about The Wave?

4. Who are the members of the Grapevine staff?

5. What concerns does Laurie‟s mother raise about The Wave?

6. In your opinion, is there reason to be worried about The Wave? Explain your
answer?

After reading

7. Journal Entry: Finish your journal entry by finishing a stem from box #2 on
your „After‟ strategy sheet.

Novel by: Todd Strasser

ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

Chapter Ten: __________________

Before reading

1. Journal Entry: write a journal entry using a stem from Box #5 on your „Before‟
strategy sheet.

2. Vocabulary: For the following words: 1) provide a definition 2) provide the part
of speech and use the word in a sentence of your own. For the (sight word), you
have to find a word that is unfamiliar to you and do the same.

a) tremor
b) atheist
c) indoctrinating
d) (sight word)

During reading

Answer the following questions:

3. Why do you think Ross would be relieved if Principal Owens told him to stop
The Wave?

4. What positive effects is The Wave having on the “losers” at the school?

5. What are Principal Owens concerns about “The Wave”?

6. On page 79, Ross assures Principal Owens that “you have to understand that
this experiment can‟t go any further than I let it go”. Do you think Ross could
stop The Wave? Why or why not?

After reading

7. Journal Entry: Finish your journal entry by finishing a stem from box #2 on
your „After‟ strategy sheet.

Novel by: Todd Strasser

ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

Chapter Eleven: __________________

Before reading

1. Journal Entry: write a journal entry using a stem from Box #5 on your „Before‟
strategy sheet.

2. Vocabulary: For the following words: 1) provide a definition 2) provide the part
of speech and use the word in a sentence of your own. For the (sight word), you
have to find a word that is unfamiliar to you and do the same.

a) scowling
b) untethered
c) disseminating
d) (sight word)

During reading

Answer the following questions:

3. Summarize the anonymous letter that Laurie receives.

4. How do you explain the behavior of the bullying senior?

5. What does Robert offer to do for Ross?

6. What does Ross notice about his role in The Wave?

After reading

7. Journal Entry: Finish your journal entry by finishing a stem from box #2 on
your „After‟ strategy sheet.

Novel by: Todd Strasser

ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

Chapter Twelve: __________________

Before reading

1. Journal Entry: write a journal entry using a stem from Box #5 on your „Before‟
strategy sheet.

2. Vocabulary: For the following words: 1) provide a definition 2) provide the part
of speech and use the word in a sentence of your own. For the (sight word), you
have to find a word that is unfamiliar to you and do the same.

a) idealistic
b) utopian
c) ridicule
d) trivial
e) (sight word)

During reading

Answer the following questions:

3. Why does David think that Laurie doesn‟t like “The Wave”?

4. Why do you think Laurie feels afraid?

5. Who is Anne Frank? What is significant about the mention of her name?

6. What does Mr. Saunders learn about “The Wave” at the golf course?

After reading

7. Journal Entry: Finish your journal entry by finishing a stem from box #2 on
your „After‟ strategy sheet.

Novel by: Todd Strasser

ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

Chapter Thirteen: __________________

Before reading

1. Journal Entry: write a journal entry using a stem from Box #5 on your „Before‟
strategy sheet.

2. Vocabulary: For the following words: 1) provide a definition 2) provide the part
of speech and use the word in a sentence of your own. For the (sight word), you
have to find a word that is unfamiliar to you and do the same.

a) adamant
b) aghast
c) (sight word)

During reading

Answer the following questions:

3. Why does Laurie want to talk to Amy so badly?

4. Brad says that it was The Wave‟s decision to only allow people who saluted
into the stands. How is this possible? What is significant about this?

5. What is causing Brad to go along with the salute policy?

6. What items are to be included in the special edition of “The Grapevine”?

After reading

7. Journal Entry: Predict what will happen when the special edition of “The
Grapevine” is published? How will The Wave react?

Novel by: Todd Strasser

ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

Chapter Fourteen: __________________

Before reading

1. Journal Entry: write a journal entry using a stem from Box #5 on your „Before‟
strategy sheet.

2. Vocabulary: For the following words: 1) provide a definition 2) provide the part of
speech and use the word in a sentence of your own. For the (sight word), you have to
find a word that is unfamiliar to you and do the same.

a) reluctantly
b) (sight word)

During reading

Answer the following questions:

3. Why does Amy support The Wave so much?

4. Why is Ross disturbed about the football team‟s defeat?

5. How do the other teachers feel about Ross‟ role in The Wave?

6. What does Robert suggest after reading the special edition of “The Grapevine”?
What do you think he is ready to do to stop her?

After reading

7. Journal Entry: Finish your journal entry by finishing a stem from box #2 on
your „After‟ strategy sheet.

Novel by: Todd Strasser

ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

Chapter Fifteen: __________________

Before reading

1. Journal Entry: write a journal entry using a stem from Box #5 on your „Before‟
strategy sheet.

2. Vocabulary: For the following words: 1) provide a definition 2) provide the part
of speech and use the word in a sentence of your own. For the (sight word), you
have to find a word that is unfamiliar to you and do the same.

a) smarting
b) antagonistic
c) fascist
d) (sight word)

During reading

Answer the following questions:

3. Why does Ross feel he has to take his experiment even further?

4. What happens to Laurie in the school that night? Who do you think is
responsible? Why?

5. What realization does David come to about The Wave?

6. Ross considers his experiment to be a success. Why?

After reading

7. Journal Entry: Finish your journal entry by finishing a stem from box #2 on
your „After‟ strategy sheet.

Novel by: Todd Strasser

ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

Chapter Sixteen: __________________

Before reading

1. Journal Entry: write a journal entry using a stem from Box #5 on your „Before‟
strategy sheet.

2. Vocabulary: For the following words: 1) provide a definition 2) provide the part
of speech and use the word in a sentence of your own. For the (sight word), you
have to find a word that is unfamiliar to you and do the same.

a) solemnly
b) chronically
c) incredulous
d) oblivious
e) (sight word)

During reading

Answer the following questions:

3. If you were Principal Owens, would you let Ross “teach the kids a lesson” or
would you simply put a stop to the experiment? Why?

4. What reasons does Ross give for holding the rally?

5. Why does Brian still feel drawn to The Wave?

6. Why does Laurie want to go back to the school?

After reading

7. Journal Entry: Finish your journal entry by finishing a stem from box #2 on
your „After‟ strategy sheet.

Novel by: Todd Strasser

ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

Chapter Seventeen: __________________

Before reading

1. Journal Entry: write a journal entry using a stem from Box #5 on your „Before‟
strategy sheet.

2. Vocabulary: For the following words: 1) provide a definition 2) provide the part
of speech and use the word in a sentence of your own. For the (sight word), you
have to find a word that is unfamiliar to you and do the same.

a) advent
b) incensed
c) (sight word)

During reading

Answer the following questions:

3. Who does Ross say is their leader? What does he mean by this?

4. Why can‟t the students look at each other after Ross‟ speech?

5. Name the one student who lost the most when The Wave ended. What did
he lose?

6. Would you consider The Wave to be a success? Why or why not?

After reading

7. Journal Entry: Finish your journal entry by finishing a stem from box #8 on
your „After‟ strategy sheet.

Novel by: Todd Strasser

ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

Themes
1. We must learn to question and think for ourselves.
What evidence is there in the book that most of the class did not think for
themselves?

2. The rights of the group versus the rights of the individual.

"Honey, just remember that the popular thing is not always the right thing."
Explain Laurie‟s father's statement in terms of what happened in the book.

3. Power corrupts.
"It almost sounds like he's joined a cult or something."
Ben Ross found himself enjoying aspects of The Wave. Explain why this
enjoyment is 'corrupting' the teacher.

4. Don't sit smugly thinking it can never happen again - and here!
What nearly happened again? Using references and quotations compare
the film Ben Ross showed his class, with the behavior of members of The
Wave later on in the book.

Novel by: Todd Strasser

ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

Final Assignment

Books are sometimes removed from school libraries for various reasons.
Imagine your local school board has informed your school that The Wave is
being removed for one of the following reasons:

it has inappropriate subject matter for high schools

it is out of date and no longer relevant
it has been deemed "not of interest" to high school students.

You are to write a formal business letter either supporting or challenging

this move. Write a formal letter to your school board to either support the
decision or challenge it. Use a standard business letter format for your letter.

The following questions might help you focus your feelings and thoughts
about the novel for the final assignment:

What do you believe the author has achieved?

How can this novel affect a reader?
What can you use to defend this novel's exclusion or inclusion in the
library's collection?

Evaluation Summary

Date
Item Date Due Mark
Submitted
1 Chapter One

2 Chapter Two

3 Chapter Three

4 Chapter Four

5 Character Chart

6 Chapter Five

7 Chapter Six

Novel by: Todd Strasser

ELA A10 Ms. T. Rowe
The Wave

8 Chapter Seven

9 Chapter Eight

10 Poster

11 Chapter Nine

12 Chapter Ten

13 Chapter Eleven

14 Chapter Twelve

15 Chapter Thirteen

16 Chapter Fourteen

17 Chapter Fifteen

18 Chapter Sixteen

19 Chapter Seventeen

20 Final Assignment

Novel by: Todd Strasser